A Life of Learning, Adventure, Service, and Individuality R. Cyril Bieger passed away November 9, 2026, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of intellectual curiosity, independence, service, deep faith, and a wonderfully unique sense of humor. Cyril’s story began on East 18th Street in Covington, KY where he grew up in the close-knit community of St. Benedict’s Parish. A 1951 graduate of St. Xavier High School, he went on to pursue an extraordinary educational and professional journey. A lifelong scholar, Cyril earned his medical degree from Saint Louis University and completed his residency at the Mayo Clinic. A renowned pathologist with a specialization in infectious disease, he practiced primarily on the West Coast. He proudly served his country as a Captain in the United States Air Force. Never one to stop learning, Cyril also earned a law degree from Washington University in Seattle, Washington, reflecting his remarkable intellect and enduring appreciation for education. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Cyril relished the freedom to chart his own course. He owned Morgan horses, lived for a time on a houseboat on the Potomac River, and was an avid hiker whose adventures included Mount Rainier. He was known to drive across the country to spend time in Montana before making the journey back to Northern Kentucky. His travels also fueled his interest in researching family genealogy, connecting his love of discovery with a deep appreciation for his roots. Cyril was a man of deep Catholic faith and firmly held convictions. A staunch pro-life supporter, he had a special devotion to the Divine Mercy Chaplet and an affection for Our Lady of Guadalupe. His commitment to traditional Catholic worship led him to relocate to be near the Latin Mass, both in Lexington and in Northern Kentucky. Those who knew Cyril will also remember his quirky humor, unexpected observations, and unmistakable personality. His signature greeting, “Hasty Bananas!”, often left others smiling and perfectly captured the playful, unconventional spirit that made him one of a kind. Cyril was a beloved uncle to nine nieces and nephews, 24 great-nieces and great-nephews, and four great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, R. Cyril Bieger and Henrietta Elizabeth Bieger (née Dresman), and his two brothers, William Gerald Bieger (Patricia) and Thomas Leo Bieger (Trudy). He leaves his family with memories of a man who was intelligent, independent, adventurous, and always authentically himself. From his beginnings on East 18th Street to a remarkable medical career and adventures across the country and beyond, Cyril lived a life uniquely his own. He will be remembered for his service, love of learning, faith, independent spirit, and the humor and individuality he shared with those fortunate enough to know him. Jesus, I trust in You.

Thomas William Cahill, 87, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2026, in hospice care surrounded by his devoted family, fulfilling his wish to be held in the love of those closest to him. Facing advanced prostate cancer with remarkable resilience, Tom continued to pour his full energy and charm into his family, his active social life, and his steadfast participation in his Catholic faith. Tom’s gift of the Blarney also remained completely intact. Tom is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 63 years, Claire Arling Cahill. He was devoted to his children, Brian Thomas Cahill, Daniel James Cahill (Jill), Kathleen Cahill Kammerer (Jonathan), Sean Patrick Cahill (Cristyn), Timothy Jude Cahill (Pia), and Kevin Joseph Cahill (Laura); and his thirteen grandchildren, Katelyn Claire Kammerer, Jonathan Francis Kammerer, Annalese Marie Cahill, Emily Elizabeth Kammerer, Patrick Thomas Cahill, Ainsley Mae Cahill, Theodore James Cahill, Quinlan James Cahill, Caroline Cahill Kammerer, Kiersten Brit Cahill, Benjamin Jude Cahill, Iago Sebastian Cahill Salvadó, and Nicolas Thomas Cahill Salvadó; his sister-in-law, Dianne Gray Cahill; his nieces and nephew, Therese Cahill Bower (Philip), James Fenton Cahill (Beth), and Laura Gray Cahill; and his cousins, Nancy Welsh Sorg (Thomas) and Mary Welsh Wolking (Edward). On December 10, 1938, Tom was born to his parents, James Charles Cahill and Matilda “Mae” Fenton Cahill, both of whom preceded him in death. He was raised in Hyde Park with his loving brother, the late James Fenton Cahill. Tom graduated from St. Xavier High School and Xavier University, where he earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. He worked for the Norwood City Schools for forty years as an English teacher, counselor, and administrator. Tom was a man of impeccable wit, enduring warmth, and timeless style. Dapper, gentlemanly, and always ready with a song for every occasion, Tom lived a life defined by devotion to his family, his faith, and the simple joy of a well-turned phrase. A proud member of the "Long Blue Line" of St. Xavier High School, Tom dedicated his career to education within Norwood Public Schools. Whether serving as an English teacher, guidance counselor, or administrator, he shaped generations of students — and took distinct pleasure in diagramming even the most formidable sentences. His commitment to others extended well beyond the school walls, including 25 years of faithful service to the St. Vincent de Paul Society and decades as a dedicated Democrat who proudly worked the election polls until age 80. Throughout every chapter of his life, Tom created a large and vibrant community of enduring friendships, effortlessly drawing people together with his gregarious spirit and genuine interest in their lives. He held deep affection for his extended family as well, sharing a cherished, lifelong bond with his Arling and Brinkman in-laws and the residents of Bayley Village. Tom’s lifelong love of theatre began in college when he was cast opposite his wife of nearly 63 years, Claire, in a play called The Far Off Hills. It launched an extraordinary lifelong romance and partnership. Together, Tom and his favorite co-star and card-making co-conspirator, Claire, crafted witty, personalized notes for every milestone. Tom embraced every holiday with theatrical flair: elaborate costumes, talking and singing decorations, and an expansive Christmas collection that always celebrated the humor of a "dumb gift." Deeply proud of his Irish heritage, he never once made it through the introduction of "Danny Boy" without crying. Tom was an encyclopedic font of family history, a patient gardener who could bring any ailing plant back from the brink, and a thoughtful curator who kept dedicated piles of clipped articles to hand to loved ones. He was remarkably unsinkable — bouncing back with quiet grit even after breaking his hip and neck (on separate occasions) — and insisted on carrying the heaviest grocery bag from the car every single time. His 5:00 PM Manhattan was so punctual one could set the clock by it, and as a dedicated reader of the daily obituaries, he would take comfort in knowing this final note reached all the friends he couldn't say goodbye to in person. In his final days, prayer and show tunes continued to bring him light and comfort. Tom’s greatest sadness was having to leave his beloved wife, children, and grandchildren, who will forever carry forward his humor, generosity, and heart into their own families. Visitation at Radel Funeral Home, 650 Neeb Road, Cincinnati, OH 45233, Thursday, September 3, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Victory Church, 810 Neeb Road, Cincinnati, OH 45233, Friday, September 4, 2026, at 11:00 AM; followed by a celebration of life at Western Hills Country Club, 5780 Cleves Warsaw Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45233. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Xavier High School, James F. Cahill Scholarship Fund, 600 West North Bend Road, Cincinnati, OH 45224; or St. Vincent de Paul Society, Our Lady of Victory Church, 810 Need Road, Cincinnati, OH 45233.

Respected Northern Kentucky Home Builder, Founder of Toebben Companies, Passes Away At 95 Matthias “Matth.” Toebben, of Villa Hills KY, passed away peacefully on August 3, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Matth. was born on May 16, 1931 in Lorup, Germany to Anna and Rudolph Többen. He had 8 siblings, including a twin brother and was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, LaVerne and son-in-law Scott Marx. They were the proud parents of 5 children: Susan Ellison, John Toebben, Diane Marx, Bill Toebben and Elizabeth Heist. At fourteen, Matth. moved to Borger, Germany where he studied the fine art of woodworking. His outstanding craftsmanship would become a trademark throughout his years of homebuilding. After studying as an apprentice carpenter, he journeyed to America with ten dollars in his pocket and unable to understand a word of English. Matth. was sponsored by builder, George Kreutzjans, with whom he worked as a carpenter on new homes in Ft. Wright KY until starting what is now Toebben Companies – the 5th largest commercial real-estate owner/developer in Greater Cincinnati and builder of nearly one thousand luxury estate homes in the region. He found the United States to be a land of immense opportunity for anyone ambitious enough to work hard and make his dream a reality. His strong German accent, or as he referred to his “southern accent”, always made him an unforgettable presence but never swayed him from success. Matth. had a passion for quality education and found immense joy in providing education scholarships for those in need throughout the community. One of his notable contributions was the creation of “The Toebben House” on the Holy Cross campus, which houses the academic enhancement program for students needing assistance. Also notable is the Matth. and LaVerne Toebben Scholarship at Thomas More University. His generosity also included Gateway Community and Technical College, Springer School Scholarship, Covington Catholic High School Scholarship, St. Henry Scholarship, Redwood Rehabilitation Center, New Perceptions, Welcome House of N. KY and Interfaith Hospitality Network. His legacy continues with the 3rd generation of family members (grandsons Jacob, Zachary and Nick Toebben) now joining his sons, Bill and John, in the company. Matth. was a true entrepreneur – from luxury home building, commercial real-estate development, residential land development to coal mining, natural gas and electric (Stand Energy Corp.), assisted living facilities (Highland Crossing) and numerous other business startups throughout his long career. Matth. served as president of the Home Builders Association for numerous terms, board member of Chamber of Commerce, received an honorary degree from Thomas More University, and recipient of the Northern Kentuckian of the Year award in 2008. Matth. followed his passion for farming by raising his prized Black Angus cattle herd. Triple T Ranch produced numerous top North American breeder winners in the Black Angus program. He was awarded Best Cattle Breeder Award for the US by the National Cattle Breeders Association. Several years ago, with the help of T. Milton Mayer, he embarked on writing his autobiography called “The Immigrant” which is now a top seller on Amazon and required reading in several schools. His legacy of struggle and accomplishments was beautifully captured and was one of his proudest achievements. Matth. was a renowned Republican political figure in the community and beyond and often pushed for fair government practices and changes in legislation. He is survived by longtime companion Pat Runge, his children Susan Ellison, John Toebben (Dana), Diane Marx, Bill Toebben (Judy), Elizabeth Heist (Tom), his sisters Agnes Wessels and Tekla Rieken, 18 Grandchildren and 31 Great Grandchildren. Visitation Sunday August 9 from 4-7 PM at Linnemann Funeral Home, 1940 Burlington Pike, Burlington KY 41048 Funeral Mass Monday August 10 at 10:00am at St. Joseph Church, 2474 Lorraine Ct. Crescent Springs, KY 41017 In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Cross High School Academic Enhancement Program (AEP), 3617 Church Street Covington, KY 41015

Carolyn Jacobs, known professionally to many as C.J. Spaulding, passed away peacefully and comfortably at her home in Covington, Kentucky. She leaves behind a legacy of leadership, faith, compassion, and devotion to her family and community. Independent to the end, Carolyn proudly maintained her driver’s license and was still driving her beloved manual-transmission sports car until about a month before her passing. Her confidence, resilience, and enthusiasm for life never diminished. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1936 to Clifford and Virginia Kocian Sr., Carolyn was the eldest of six children. She grew up with her brothers, Jeff, Clifford, Kenny, Joe Kocian, and her sister, Kay Treanor. Her parents owned a respected Kocian Meats a butcher business in the heart of Cleveland that had served the community for more than a century, instilling in their family the values of hard work, integrity, and service. Carolyn shared many happy years with her husband, Stephen Spalding, who preceded her in death in 2003. Their marriage was one of companionship, mutual respect, and enduring love, and his memory remained close to her heart throughout the years that followed. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. As a devoted member of her cathedral, Carolyn’s spirited love of God was reflected in the quiet way she lived serving others, extending compassion, and treating everyone with dignity and respect. Professionally, Carolyn became known throughout Newark, Ohio, as C.J. Spaulding, an admired leader of the YMCA. Beginning as a volunteer instructor for women’s exercise classes around 1970, she rose through the organization to become Executive Director and later Chief Executive Officer. Her vision and leadership strengthened the YMCA’s mission and positively influenced generations of individuals and families. Carolyn’s generosity extended well beyond her professional life. She was a devoted blood donor, a dependable neighbor, and someone who instinctively stepped forward whenever help was needed. Whether offering a ride, lending encouragement, or greeting someone with the unmistakable twinkle in her eye, she made people feel valued. She also had a lifelong love of animals, sharing her home with Irish Wolfhounds, Whippets, and rescue dogs. Her compassion embraced every creature fortunate enough to find its way into her care. A proud Clevelander at heart, Carolyn remained a loyal Cleveland Browns fan, celebrating the highs and standing by her team through every challenge with characteristic optimism and loyalty. Above all, Carolyn treasured her family. She was an exceptional mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose greatest joy came from watching those she loved grow and succeed. Her encouragement, wisdom, and unconditional love became gifts that will continue to shape future generations. Carolyn is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Virginia Jacobs and Holly Jacobs; her grandchildren, Patrick Kenkel, Brenton Kenkel, and Bridgette Granger; her great-grandchild, Finn Kenkel; her siblings, Jeff Kocian, Clifford Kocian, Kenny Kocian, Joe Kocian, and Kay Treanor; and many nieces, nephews, friends, neighbors, fellow parishioners, and former colleagues. Whether she was known as Carolyn, Mom, Grandma, or C.J. Spaulding, she will be remembered for a life defined by purpose, humility, faith, and love. Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished, the community she strengthened, and the countless people whose lives are better because she was part of them. She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered with gratitude.

Thelma Jean Boehne, 95, of Fort Thomas, Kentucky, died peacefully at home on June 9. Although her servant’s heart has now stopped beating, her legacy of devotion to family, church, and the community lives on. “I would like to be remembered as kind and good,” she said in a video interview more than 20 years ago. Thelma was born at home – before the doctor arrived – on August 13, 1930 near Grant’s Lick, KY. She grew up in a farming family in the early days of the Great Depression. In one of her favorite old photographs, Thelma and her older sister, Rosalee, are standing outside the farmhouse in winter coats that clearly had been mended and patched many times over. A wooly young lamb, who the girls had adopted as a playmate, appears to be the warmest one in the picture. Inside the house, there was no electricity, telephone or toilet. “We didn’t have an indoor bathroom. We had a path” (to the outhouse), she said. Teamwork was learned early. The whole family – including Thelma, Rosalee and their little sister Linda Ruth – bailed hay, hoed the garden, fed chickens, milked cows and tended to the cash crop, tobacco, which provided most of the family’s monetary return. When she was six, the one-room schools in the area closed and the students, including first-grader Thelma, reported to the brand-new Grant’s Lick Elementary school. She later graduated from Campbell County High School in the class of 1948. A group of friends from her graduating class continues to meet for lunch once a month. The group has naturally shrunk over the years. Thelma last attended the now-small gathering a few weeks before her passing. Following high school, she finished one year at Georgetown College (KY) so she could be a teacher. She taught first grade for several years at Grant’s Lick Elementary and then taught kindergarten for a year at the former Park Avenue School in Newport, KY. She met her husband of 65 years, Albert Boehne, a World War II veteran, at an event near the farms where their families lived in Northern Kentucky. After dating for most of a year, Al offered Thelma an engagement ring while sitting in a car outside a Frisch’s restaurant. They married on a blistering hot day in June of 1954 at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church and then moved to Fort Thomas, KY, to be closer to the factory where Al worked in Norwood, OH. He died in early 2020. “We lead a quiet life,” she once said of her marriage. “We don’t carouse.” Thelma and Al had two children, Rich born in 1956 and Mary in 1959. Thelma worked at home to raise them until the early 1970s when she returned to education as a teaching assistant at Woodfill Elementary School in Fort Thomas. She served the students there for 19 years before retirement. Along the way, she was twice Woodfill’s PTA president and held numerous volunteer roles at the school. Her five grandchildren benefitted from her teacherly ways. Many games at her house were deceptively educational. The books she read to them – and they later read to her – are now well-worn but still being enjoyed by the next generation. “I hope they all turn out to be good citizens,” she said of her grandchildren in the 2002 interview. Her hopes were realized as they became adults and the parents of her great-grandchildren. From 1954 until her death, she was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church of Fort Thomas. From the choir to the kitchen and everywhere in between, she served as an eager and organized worker among the flock. For years in retirement, she also volunteered at the Baptist Life retirement community and nursing home in Newport, KY, and later at a new facility, The Seasons, in Alexandria, KY. Having been raised on a farm, she appreciated all good things that rise from the warm ground each spring. Late in life and battling cancer, her doctor asked her what she hoped to do in the approaching summer after recovering from surgery. “I want to get down on my knees,” she said, “and get my hands in the dirt.” She did, and did again in the next few summers before her body could do no more. In addition to her husband, Al, she was preceded in death by her parents, Chester Ralph and Ruby Grace Moore; her sister Rosalee (Alan) Nagel; her niece Jean (Roger) Lillie; her nephew George (Cheryl) Torline; and her great-granddaughter Lola Patitucci. She is survived by her sister Linda Ruth (Gary) Belcher; daughter Mary (Tim) Slaughter; son Rich (Lisa Graybeal) Boehne; grandchildren Alison (Mike) Patitucci; Kate (Daniel) Trotier; Kelly (Jarrod) Williams; Luke (Courtney Codina) Boehne; and Jacob (Adalia Powell) Boehne; and five great-grandchildren Adelaide, Elijah, Mallory, Sloane, and Sophia; plus numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be from 10:30 until noon on Monday, June 15, at Dobbling Funeral Home, 106 S. Fort Thomas Avenue, Ft. Thomas, KY 41075. A service will begin at noon at the funeral home, followed by burial at Evergreen Cemetery, Southgate KY. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Elizabeth Hospice, 483 South Look Drive, Edgewood, KY 41017, or First Baptist Church of Ft. Thomas, 600 N. Ft. Thomas Avenue, KY 41075. Online condolences at www.dmefuneral.com.

Katie Meyer, beloved wife, daughter, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend, passed away on the morning of April 16 after a courageous battle with cancer. Katie will be remembered for the way she lived: fully, generously, and fearlessly. She was brilliant, vibrant, thoughtful, and kind. Her spirit, humor, and compassion left a lasting mark on everyone who knew her. Her loss is immeasurable, but so is the impact she leaves behind in the countless lives she touched around the world, in her community, and in her family. Katie was a proud Covingtonian; wherever she was in the world, Covington was always home. She grew up in Old Seminary Square, attended Sixth District and Latonia Elementary, and graduated from Covington Latin in 2000. While in high school, she competed on behalf of the United States in the 1999 Trampoline & Tumbling World Championships in South Africa. Katie earned a bachelors from the University of Kentucky and a Masters in Urban Policy from the New School in New York City. She travelled the world during her studies, immersing herself in South and Central America, working in public administration in New Delhi, India and in British Columbia, Canada. Yet her heart remained in Covington, and she returned here in 2010. When she returned, she embraced a mission to improve our city that she would never let go. Her dedication to that mission was profoundly evident in her work as Executive Director of Renaissance Covington from 2010 to 2019. Katie was a driving force behind the revitalization of downtown Covington. She championed economic growth, supported small businesses, and helped to cultivate Covington’s vibrant sense of place that so many continue to love today. Katie was instrumental in launching and growing community events including the Farmer’s Market, RoeblingFest, Art Off Pike, the Covington Night Bazaar, and the Running of the Goats, while also helping to lay the groundwork for the city’s long-term sustainability and success. In 2015, she became a published author when she co-wrote Walking Cincinnati, a guide that highlighted the history and culture of many Cincinnati and NKY neighborhoods. In 2017, the national organization Main Street America awarded Renaissance Covington the “Great American Main Street Award” in recognition of Katie’s accomplishments. In March 2012, Katie’s drive to build community led her and her wife, Bonnie, to open Pike Street Lounge, a vibrant gathering place built around creativity and hospitality. It stood as a reflection of Katie’s gift for bringing people together and spaces where others felt welcome - all while she was continuing her important placemaking work in a variety of other roles. After helping to create a public internet network in Covington, Katie joined Cincinnati Bell in 2019 to lead UniCity, the company’s national “smart cities” initiative. While at Cincinnati Bell/Altafiber, Katie worked with cities around the country, from Honolulu HI to Dayton OH, to broaden access to the internet and technology. In August of 2023, Katie became the CEO of the Downtown Dayton Partnership, where she championed economic development, supported small businesses, and helped create a more vibrant, connected, and inclusive community. While in Dayton, she served on the Board of Directors of Heritage Ohio, YWCA Dayton (OH), Boys and Girls Club of Dayton (OH). The Boys and Girls club of Dayton described Katie as “a remarkable leader, a courageous voice for equity, and a radical champion for young people.” Katie’s sense of leadership and civic duty was also evident through her roles in numerous other organizations, including serving as a board member for organizations such as Be Concerned, the Covington Business Council, the Kentucky Foundation for Women, and Skyward. Katie served on the development committees of the Esperanza Latino Center and the Life Learning Center, and chaired the Outstanding Women of Northern Kentucky Awards in 2023. Yet there was perhaps no endeavor that illustrated Katie’s fiercely inclusive spirit better than her work with Northern Kentucky Pride and the NKY Pride Center. Katie was the incredibly tenacious and deeply organized driving force behind so much of the Northern Kentucky Pride Center’s work. She didn’t just believe in making Northern Kentucky a safer, more inclusive, and vibrant place for the LGBTQ+ community, she actively made it happen. She was a true advocate with a rare talent for turning ideas into action and making people - from first-time volunteers to long-time advocates - feel welcomed, valued, and essential. Whether she was helping lead the creation of the NKY Pride Awards, coordinating PrideFest and the parade, or simply connecting members of the community, Katie showed up when it mattered most. Always. Her impact will continue to be felt in the community she helped build and the example she set for others. Katie was also a devoted and beloved mother, and her children wish to share what she meant to them. She taught them to dream bigger than they ever imagined, and to believe they were capable of achieving anything - including traveling to places they once only dreamed of. She widened their perspectives on life in ways too countless to name, and was both a mentor and a hero to them. Katie is, and always will be, the light of their world. In her final year, her grandson Dax brought her endless joy - she was so very happy to be his Kkay and we are so deeply grateful that she got to spend that time loving him and being loved by him. Above all, Katie’s greatest love was her wife, Dr. Bonnie Meyer, who was the center of her world and her trusted partner. From the moment they met in 2011, they were inseparable–it was love at first sight. They wed in New York City’s Central Park in 2012, and together they built a life filled with love and passion - for each other, for their friends, and for a better world. She is also survived by her loving parents: Joe and Dale Meyer; children: Alyssa Nickles and Kyle (Jade) Nickles; brothers: Chris (Megan) Meyer, David (Marisa McNee) Meyer and Jon (Maranda) Meyer; grandchild: Dax Nickles; niece: Lydia Meyer and nephews: Lucas Meyer and Ryan Meyer. A celebration of Katie’s life will be announced in the coming days. Her family looks forward to gathering with all who loved her to honor the extraordinary life she lived. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that contributions be made in Katie’s memory to the NKY Pride Center, an organization close to her heart. Katie’s life was a gift, and her legacy will continue to live on in the communities she shaped and the people she inspired.